Skin Cancer Types
The two most common types of skin cancer, basal and squamous, are slow growing cancers that usually appear on areas of the body exposed to sunlight, ultraviolet rays or radiation. The survival rate for basal and squamous skin cancers is excellent when found and treated early. Melanoma is less common than other forms of skin cancer. Because of its fast growth and ability to spread, melanoma is considered the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Sun exposure and genetics both play a part in developing melanoma and the effectiveness of treatment depends upon early detection and how far the cancer has spread.
Freezing
Cryosurgery freezes the affected area with small amounts of nitrogen, effectively killing cancer cells. This type of treatment is common in removing small superficial areas of skin cancer and is the same treatment often used to remove moles and precancerous skin lesions. Freezing is a non-invasive treatment, but it may cause some scarring.
Electrodessication
Electrodessication is another non-invasive treatment for skin cancer. Much like cryosurgery, electrodessication may be done at a doctor's office or out-patient center and complications from treatment are rare. Anesthesia is used to numb the area to be treated. A doctor then uses a small tool to scrape off a cancerous lesion. A small needle is inserted into the site and electricity is discharged into the area killing off remaining cancer cells.
Excision and Mohs Surgery
An effective treatment on smaller areas of skin cancer is excising or cutting away the affected area and some of the surrounding tissue, then suturing the healthy skin back together. Mohs surgery is a minor procedure where layers of skin are removed individually. Each layer of skin removed is tested for cancerous cells, indicating when healthy skin has been reached and no more skin is to be removed.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy or surgery is sometimes used to remove superficial skin cancer lesions. This type of treatment is generally used in non-melanoma skin cancers. A thin laser beam is used to destroy and remove superficial skin cancer, often avoiding damage to surrounding healthy skin. Laser therapy may require repeated treatments to ensure success.
Radiation and Chemotherapy
For larger areas, cancer that has spread or recurring cancer, radiation or chemotherapy may be used. With radiation treatment, the cancerous area is exposed to radiation rays to shrink or kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells throughout the body. For more advanced cases or individuals with melanoma, chemotherapy drugs are usually taken intravenously or orally. For basal or squamous skin cancers, a topical chemotherapy agent may be used to target a specific area. Radiation and chemotherapy are often be used in conjunction with other treatments.
Tags: cancer cells, skin cancer, basal squamous, healthy skin, skin cancer, skin cancers, skin removed